If you’ve been priced out of popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, there’s some good news. Sam’s Club and Costco are now offering them for a lower price. The catch? You still need a prescription, and the “discount” might not be enough for everyone.
Right now, both retailers are selling a month’s supply of semaglutide injections for $499. That includes four pens, which is the standard dose for four weeks. For those who have been paying out-of-pocket, this is a big drop from the typical $1,000 price tag.
Costco’s deal gives extra perks to Executive Members and Chase Citibank cardholders, who can get cashback on the purchase. Sam’s Club also stepped up with a delivery option. You can get your medication delivered the same day for $12. If you’re a Plus Member and order before 2 p.m., delivery is free.
Even with these perks, some experts say we’re not doing enough. Dr. Rekha Kumar, a well-known endocrinologist, said the lower prices are helpful but still not reaching the people who need it the most. According to her, many patients without insurance or with limited coverage still can’t afford $500 a month for medication.
Dr. Harlan Krumholz from Yale agreed. He pointed out that the people at the highest risk often have the fewest financial resources. Without broader coverage or deeper discounts, they’ll continue to be left out.
Medicare and Medicaid only cover drugs like Ozempic for diabetes treatment, not weight loss. That leaves many patients stuck without coverage, even when their doctors recommend the medication.
The Future Could Bring Pills Instead of Shots
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are testing oral versions of their medications in clinical trials. These pills could replace injections in the future. But the question of price still hangs in the air. There’s no guarantee that the pills will cost less.
In the meantime, people are looking for cheaper options. That includes everything from questionable social media “GLP-1 patches” to compounded versions of the drugs. Earlier this year, the FDA cracked down on compounded drugs due to safety concerns. They warned that these versions are not evaluated for quality, effectiveness, or safety.
David Moore, the president of Novo Nordisk, said the goal of partnering with Costco was to give people access to the real medication through a trusted channel. But with prices still high and insurance gaps growing, this may only be a step — not the full answer.
Bottom Line
If you have a prescription and a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, you can now get semaglutide for less than before. That’s progress, but for many people, $499 is still out of reach. Experts are pushing for more affordable options and expanded access so that everyone who needs this medication can actually get it.
Until then, discounted or not, it’s still a luxury for many.
